Former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has resolved to take legal action against the Nigeria Police Force over what his lawyers describe as “inhumane treatment” during his recent detention.

 

In a statement on Saturday, Sowore’s counsel, Tope Temokun, alleged that police officers fractured the activist’s arm during a violent attempt to forcibly move him from one cell to another at around 6 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025.

 

The legal team rejected the police’s official account, which claimed Sowore arrived at their facility already with a bandage — describing it as “false, self-indicting, and illogical.”

 

Temokun challenged the police to release the inventory of Sowore’s personal belongings seized during his arrest, saying it could serve as proof to support their claims.

 

According to the statement, Sowore was refused access to his own medical team and was instead offered treatment by an unqualified first-aider, without X-rays or proper diagnosis.

 

The lawyers explained that Sowore refused to be examined by police medical personnel to prevent what they described as “manipulation of evidence” by those accused of inflicting the injury.

 

They further accused the police of ignoring other allegations, including the reported theft of Sowore’s Ray-Ban AI glasses by an officer, while hastily issuing denials over the assault claims.

 

Temokun also addressed the police’s justification for Sowore’s extended detention, his refusal to write a statement, arguing that such refusal is protected under Nigerian law.

 

He cited Section 35(2) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 60(1) of the Police Act 2020, which uphold an individual’s right not to be compelled to make a statement.

 

“The fact remains unshaken: Omoyele Sowore’s arm was broken in police custody, under their control. We will pursue all appropriate legal remedies, including petitions to the Nigeria Police Council and the Police Service Commission,” Temokun said.

 

Sowore was released on Friday evening after two days in custody. However, his legal team insists that a full account will be demanded from all officers involved in the alleged assault and other reported violations.